1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. |
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. |
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. |
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster. |
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. |
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. |
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. |
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. |
9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. |
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. |
11 Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. |
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. |
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. |
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it. |
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. |
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! |
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life. |
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. |
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. |
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. |
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. |
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. |
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. |
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. |
26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on. |
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. |
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. |
29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. |
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. |
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. |
32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. |
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. |